Lover II- ML

213. Lyon Legs

As predicted, the stadium was sold out and fans were flocking there as the clock ticked closer to kickoff.

Coverage and buildup was big, big enough for security to be increased where the players arrive from in their cars.

Mapi held her arms out a few times from the drivers seat when fans were literally blocking the road from her. How were they supposed to watch her and Kaia play if they weren't even allowing them in?

Luckily with some excited waves, the fans allowed the men and women in uniform to urge them aside and behind the barriers. So Mapi was finally able to slip her car through the gateway without running anyone over.

"Ay..." Mapi lets out a deep sigh which is a mixture of relief and disbelief. "I'll never get used to that level of craziness."

Kaia laughs. "Honestly, I know I shouldn't but I kind of love it."

"I know you do." Mapi squeezes Kaia's knee softly. "It's nice to see them so passionate, but trying to hump the car is too much."

"She was not trying to hump your car." Kaia sits up to defend their fan wearing a María León home shirt. "She was trying to climb on it."

"Oh?" Mapi spares an amused look over to Kaia. "And is that supposed to be better?"

"No..." Kaia sinks back into her seat. "But it's less weird."

Mapi lets out one last amused breath and glances to the Cupra logo on her steering wheel. "I hope when Ferrari take on the sponsorship they increase security at the entrances." She voices. "They can't have those cars being banged on."

Kaia smiles and glances over to Mapi. "Have you picked your new car yet?"  

Mapi smiles back, excitedly. Part of her wage discussions in the summer will include a new Ferrari in the deal. It's a bonus a few of their contracts come with; a sponsored car. The car she's driving right now is part of her current contract.

But with Mapi being slightly more higher on the influential list, she's allowed to pick her own Ferrari for the new deal. "I have a few in mind... yes." She answers coyly. "But I know you, my princesa, like your smaller sporty cars, so I'll need a bigger one for the baby and all the crap that comes with him on journeys." She chuckles.

"Car seat marks in your new, soft leather," Kaia begins to tease with a happy smile. "Milk stains down the back of the front seats, fingerprints on the windows, random toys scattered on the floor, crumbs when he starts to eat solid foods."

Mapi's eyes close in a faux regret once she's stopped the car, but the smile is still on her lips. "Can't wait." She sarks, but in reality she actually can't wait for all of those things. For family life.

They leave their conversation in the car and enter the tunnel leading into the main player entrance and towards the home changing room.

The hustle and bustle immediately consumed them, but it was routine and relaxed and welcomed. So they split off to their cubbies and began to get ready for the warmups at their own pace.

Both teams had their strongest team out which was no surprise, Wendie fit to start for Lyon and Irene fit to start for Barcelona.

Both had pacy wingers, midfield mystros, but Lyon had the aerial threat from set pieces and main forward player to aim for.

It made the team talk beforehand focus on those risks, but also on their own strengths and Alexia reminded everyone passionately just what they did last summer. They thrashed this team and won Il Prima Trofeo, they were the reigning champions and this was their home.